Company Overview

Our client, a diversified developer, manufacturer, and marketer of food flavorings and ingredients, serving both sweet and savory end markets is searching for a highly skilled and dynamic Pricing and Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A) Senior Analyst to join their growing finance team.

Position Description

In this key role, you will lead the development and implementation of pricing strategies, manage pricing models, and partner with cross-functional teams to optimize profitability. Additionally, you will be responsible for financial planning and analysis to provide data-driven insights, forecasts, and strategic recommendations that support decision-making at all levels of the organization. The Senior Analyst will play a crucial role in supporting the company's objectives through financial analysis, strategic planning, and operational efficiency. This role will collaborate closely with various departments to provide financial insights, develop budgets, and ensure that financial targets are met.

The ideal candidate will possess strong analytical abilities, a deep understanding of pricing strategies and financial modeling, commercial and operational acumen, and the ability to influence and drive financial performance effectively across departments. This is an excellent opportunity for a motivated finance professional to make a significant impact on the company’s financial performance.

Essential Functions

Under the supervision of the CFO and Head of FP&A, your primary responsibilities will be to:

Pricing Strategy & Management:

• Develop, implement, and optimize pricing strategies to maximize revenue, margins, and overall profitability
• Perform detailed pricing analysis to assess market trends, competitor pricing, and customer willingness to pay
• Work closely with sales, marketing, R&D, and operations teams to assess customer needs and ensure alignment of pricing with business objectives
• Be the subject matter expert on pricing process including cost structure, margin expectations, and customer relations
• Evaluate market, customer and competitor developments and adjust pricing strategies as needed
• Analyze pricing elasticity and conduct scenario analysis to assess the impact of various pricing strategies
• Design and implement tools for ongoing pricing governance, including price setting, approval workflows, and compliance; recommend and implement improvements in pricing processes, tools, etc.
• Review and approve pricing proposals for new products, services, or promotions

Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A):

• Assist in leading the annual strategic planning and budgeting processes and ongoing financial forecasting to ensure alignment with corporate goals and objectives
• Prepare detailed financial models to project future performance, revenue, and costs based on different pricing scenarios and market conditions
• Create and update financial forecasts, assessing the impact of business decisions and external factors
• Monitor key financial metrics (e.g., revenue, gross margin, operating expenses) and provide recommendations to senior management on areas of improvement
• Work closely with business units to monitor and understand financial performance, identify trends, and offer actionable insights for profit and market share gains and risk mitigation strategies
• Prepare ad-hoc financial analysis and reporting for senior leadership to support strategic decision-making, including business case development/evaluation and ROI analyses for proposed investments
• Analyze financial performance and provide insights on variances, trends, and KPIs
• Prepare financial reports, highlighting business opportunities and risks
• Assess and recommend improvements to financial processes and systems

Compliance and Governance:

• Ensure adherence to financial policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements
• Oversee the accuracy and integrity of financial records and reporting

Location and Travel: Position will be based in Addison, IL, with periodic travel to facilities in NJ and other locations; periodic travel to other locations within the US or Canada as needed.

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

Education/Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree, preferably with a focus on finance, accounting, engineering, or related field of study; MBA or other relevant Master’s degree preferred
• Relevant experience in a similar position in a customized small batch manufacturing environment is strongly desired; food and beverage, general, and/or chemicals manufacturing experience preferred
• 3+ years of experience in finance, pricing, or financial analysis, with a strong focus on pricing strategy and financial modeling
• Proven experience with financial planning, budgeting, and forecasting
• Strong understanding of pricing principles, competitive analysis, and pricing tools
• Self-motivated and highly-driven; pro-active, hands-on strategic thinker; prior experience in fast-paced and high attention to detail environments (e.g. investment banking, consulting, private equity) are also preferred
• Experience developing, automating, and producing regular reporting, including data modeling and visualization
• Experience preparing materials for presentation to and working with Senior Management and Board of Directors
• Cost accounting experience preferred
• Strong cross-functional relationship builder
• High standard of accuracy, precision, and organization, with a strong attention to detail
• Strong analytic, organizational and problem-solving skills that enable strategic data interpretation
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills; excellent oral and written communicator. Experience in effectively communicating key data, including presentations, to management, board, and outside partners

Computer Skills: Advanced Microsoft Office (including Excel, PowerPoint, Power BI); technology savvy with “hands on” experience with ERP and MIS/reporting systems; prior experience with ERP software provider, Sage X3, a plus

Compensation & Benefits: Including but not limited to (i) competitive wages, (ii) a variety of medical, dental, vision, and other insurance plans to fit your and your family’s needs, (iii) a 401(k) program with company matching, (iv) flexible vacation time to promote a healthy work-life balance, (v) a hybrid work environment, and (vi) opportunities for internal career development and growth

Disclaimer

The job description is only a summary of the typical functions of the job, not an exhaustive or comprehensive list of all possible responsibilities, tasks, and duties. The responsibilities, tasks, and duties of the jobholder might differ from those outlined in the job description and other duties may be assigned. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice. SmartHire is not legally responsible for any change of jobholder's responsibilities or activities, by our clients, that differ from this job description.